“Wherever we venture forth, it appears that there is seemingly only a single matter at hand. This matter is none other than that of uncovering workable compromises. These compromises are to be found between the lofty sublimity of our ideas and the rather absurd nature of the fact of our very existence.

Our ideas often soar to great heights, filled with grandeur and vision. They hold the promise of a better world, of progress and achievement. However, when we are confronted with the reality of our situation, we are faced with the absurdity of the facts. The world is not always as we envision it, and there are often obstacles and challenges that stand in the way of our ideals.

It is in this context that we must strive to find workable compromises. We need to balance the beauty and potential of our ideas with the practicalities and limitations of the real world. This requires us to be flexible, creative, and willing to make adjustments. Only by doing so can we hope to bring our ideas closer to fruition and make a positive impact on the world around us.”

Each time I made an attempt to read this book, I would inevitably notice my boyfriend chuckling.

What escaped my notice, however, was that I would plop down with a thud and heave a sigh as if someone were compelling me to do knuckle push-ups.

I had been lent this book by a wealthy, yet bored woman that I am employed by. I thought it would be a courteous gesture on my part to read the book that holds such significance for her.

Today, I have reached a decision. I am finished with the struggle. I am weary of constantly hearing about "god" and the self-righteous musings on nature and man's conquest over it.

I have come to the conclusion that this book is pompous, dreadfully boring, and an absolute agony to attempt to read.

It seems that no matter how hard I try, I simply cannot find any redeeming qualities in this literary work.

Perhaps it's time to return the book and admit that it's just not for me.

Weeeeeeeyowwwwwww

Weeeeeeeyowwwwwww is an interesting and unique sound. It could potentially be the expression of excitement, surprise, or even a form of playfulness. Imagine a child running through a field, filled with joy and letting out this exuberant sound. Or perhaps it could be the call of a wild animal, adding an element of mystery and adventure to the natural world. The sound itself has a certain charm and allure, captivating the attention of those who hear it. It makes us wonder what lies behind it, what emotions or experiences it represents. Whether it's a random outburst or a meaningful communication, Weeeeeeeyowwwwwww has the power to bring a smile to our faces and spark our imagination.

This is one of those books that I, a person with an English degree, am supposed to pretend I like a whole lot more than I actually do.

Perhaps it's because I listened to this on audiobook rather than actually reading it. I had the intention of revisiting the essay "the Eclipse," which commences this collection, while driving on the way to the actual eclipse.

The woman doing the reading, in my opinion, did a great disservice to Dillard's voice by being overly cheerful in her narration. After a certain point, there's only so much I can endure of this lady describing what it's like to be inside the head of a weasel.

However, the part about the marooned Arctic explorers was really cool. It added an interesting and captivating element to the overall collection.

Despite my initial reservations about the audiobook, that particular section managed to hold my attention and make me appreciate the author's storytelling abilities in a different light.

Overall, while the book had its drawbacks, there were also some redeeming qualities that made it worth experiencing.

BRILLIANT

Brilliant is a word that holds a great deal of power and significance. It is often used to describe something or someone that is exceptionally bright, intelligent, or outstanding. A brilliant idea can change the course of a project or even an entire industry. A brilliant mind can solve complex problems and come up with innovative solutions. A brilliant performance can leave an audience in awe and inspire others to reach for greater heights.

Brilliance can manifest in many different ways. It can be seen in the creativity of an artist, the precision of a scientist, or the leadership skills of a business executive. It is not limited to a particular field or area of expertise, but rather can be found in anyone who has a passion for what they do and the drive to excel.

In conclusion, the word brilliant is a testament to the human capacity for greatness. It reminds us that we all have the potential to shine brightly and make a positive impact on the world around us. Whether we are striving for personal or professional success, we should always strive to be brilliant in everything we do.

In this collection of fourteen essays, Dillard showcases her remarkable ability to bring an almost forensic level of observation to the natural world.

Her keen perception of the tiniest details extends across a wide range of subjects. Beginning with her musings on a solar eclipse she travels to witness in Yakima, we embark on a journey with her, first to the Appalachian Mountains and then all the way to the Galapagos Islands.

Accompanying her, we see the world through the eyes of a weasel and take a stroll from her home. We also encounter the man who inspired the book's title, Teaching a stone to speak.

Most might view this as a futile endeavor, but as Dillard elucidates, it is his unique way of communing with the natural world at his own desired pace.

The silence pervades, being both the alpha and the omega.

Her sparse yet eloquent prose holds a profound spiritual dimension. It amazes me how she manages to convey such depth of meaning in so few words. Her childlike wonder and fascination with the world around her are palpable throughout the book.

She skillfully weaves together themes of exploration, discovery, and how we can utilize these to watch and observe the events unfolding around us. I was particularly drawn to the essay on lenses, highlighting the importance of mastering it before being able to see both the distant and the near.

Until now, I had never delved into any of her books, but now I am eager to work my way through her non-fiction back catalogue.

Every time I read Annie Dillard, I find myself becoming more responsible in general.

Her words are highly purposeful. She delves into sorrow, beauty, and terror, using nouns and adjectives that, at first glance and if one isn't careful, might seem like any other ordinary ones. However, this is far from the truth. There isn't a single wasted syllable in her writing.

Take, for example, "The Deer at Provenance." It's a story about a young fawn tied to a tree, succumbing to the despair of its impending death, while people quietly circle around and watch. And then there's how she artfully balances words like "slender" with "violence." Ah, the contrast is simply remarkable!

And then there's "Expedition to the Pole." Never before has absurdity and wisdom been so masterfully combined in an American essay. The vivid images and profound thoughts on the church, human folly, polar bears, and the unknown swirl like a fever dream and burn like a postmodern prophecy. Woo! It's truly a literary experience that leaves a lasting impression.

There is some truly beautiful prose and captivating imagery within each essay. The way Dillard makes connections between different things is often interesting and provides valuable insights into her unique thinking. However, it must be noted that there are also essays in the book where, even by the conclusion, I struggle to fully understand the link between the two elements being presented.

While I can certainly appreciate how the jumping back and forth between various topics can give a sense of the often chaotic nature of our thought processes, I did frequently find it challenging to follow. That being said, it is important to mention that some of the essays, particularly the shorter ones, did not suffer from this issue.

When looking at individual sentences or paragraphs, I am truly in awe of some of Dillard's writing. Her use of language is masterful and engaging. However, when considering the essays as a whole, I find myself with mixed feelings regarding whether I desire to read more of her work or not.

Based on this first reading, I would rate this book 2.5 stars. It has its strengths, but also its areas that could use improvement.

Annie Dillard's perspective on time, nature, and humans truly messes with my mind.

Her descriptions of time are so unique and thought-provoking. She makes me question the linear concept of time that we are so accustomed to.

Nature, in her words, is a powerful force that shapes and influences everything. It has a beauty and complexity that is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

And when it comes to humans, Dillard shows how we are both a part of nature and yet separate from it. Our actions and decisions have a profound impact on the natural world around us.

Overall, Annie Dillard's writing challenges me to think differently about these fundamental aspects of our existence. It forces me to step outside of my comfort zone and consider new perspectives.

I find myself constantly reflecting on her words and trying to make sense of the complex relationships between time, nature, and humans. It's a mind-bending experience that I wouldn't trade for anything.

Annie Dillard is truly a remarkable writer. It seems that she can do no wrong. Although this particular book may not be my absolute favorite among her works, it is still an amazing piece of literature.

It serves as a testament to the great power of her writing abilities. The way she crafts her words, weaves stories, and evokes emotions is simply outstanding.

If I were ever able to write something that even remotely resembles the style and quality of Dillard's work, I would consider myself to have written something truly successful.

Her writing is an inspiration, and I can only hope to one day come close to achieving the level of excellence that she has reached.

Overall, Annie Dillard's work is a treasure trove of literary genius, and this book is no exception.

The book is rather uneven. More often than not, I find myself completely lost, not knowing what is being said or the reason behind it. Words and sentences seem to be presented randomly, with little or no coherent meaning. The stories jump around haphazardly, and I struggle to follow their thread.

And yet, there is always just enough to keep me persevering. When Dillard unexpectedly encounters a weasel, her description is vivid and captivating. She writes that “our eyes locked, and someone threw away the key.” She observes that its “face was fierce, small and pointed as a lizard’s; he would have made a good arrowhead.” Reflecting on the weasel’s life, she makes a profound statement: “The weasel lives in necessity and we live in choice, hating necessity and dying at the last ignobly in its talons.” In another story, at a church with the custom of saying “peace be with you,” Dillard has an interesting encounter with two “teen-aged lugs.” When she says “peace be with you,” one of them simply replies “Yeah.”

On a hilltop near Yakima, Washington, Dillard spots the Crab Nebula and makes an interesting comment. She remarks that “It expands at the rate of seventy million miles a day. It is interesting to look through binoculars at something expanding seventy million miles a day. It does not budge.”

Or, Dillard taps into a beautiful and mysterious image. While walking by a field, she remarks to her friend that “’There are angels in those fields.’ Angels!...I have rarely been so surprised at something I’ve said. Angels! What are angels? I had never thought of angels, in any way at all.” After thinking about it a bit, she writes that her impression of those fields is of thousands of spirits, perhaps trapped by her own hesitation or the paralysis of her spirit at that time. She describes them as “almost discernible to the eye, and whirling.” If pushed, she would say they were three or four feet from the ground. This is enough to make most people keep their distance. But Dillard senses and shows what most of us do not see, and that is truly a remarkable thing.

Unpopular opinion on this one! This was my very first encounter with a Dillard book. I must admit that the writing was truly superb, exhibiting an elegance and richness that was quite remarkable. The words seemed to flow effortlessly, painting vivid pictures in my mind.

However, as I delved deeper into the book, I found myself constantly trying to look past her underlying and pervasive snark, pessimism, and arrogance. It was as if these traits were clouding the otherwise beautiful prose. Despite my best efforts, I ultimately could not get beyond them.

If an author truly desires to communicate a sense of awe, cohesion, and bewilderment with nature, they would do well to follow the lead of Barbara Kingsolver and her collection of essays, "Small Wonders". That work was brilliantly written, devoid of the flippant above-it-all dismissal that I found in most of Dillard's essays. Kingsolver has a way of capturing the essence of nature in a way that is both profound and accessible, leaving the reader with a sense of wonder and appreciation.